Can L.A. County Turn Around Its Nursing Home Debacle?

Vanessa Barrington September 30, 2020

Capital & Main: Can L.A. County Turn Around Its Nursing Home Debacle? (September 30, 2020)

For many, the health disaster that has befallen Los Angeles County’s skilled nursing facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a dangerous recipe comprising slow response, lax oversight and profits superseding quality care. When it comes to blame, start with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LAC DPH), the agency charged with policing these facilities. California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR), another prominent critic of the nursing home industry, argued in a letter to the state senate against extending the contract due to L.A. County’s “abysmal” performance. “I would think it should be seriously considered,” said Eric Carlson, directing attorney with Justice in Aging, an advocacy organization, about the idea of the state assuming oversight of L.A. County’s nursing homes.

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